10th Norwegian Environmental Toxicology Symposium

This session will explore the impact of contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and radioactive compounds) on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. We will discuss how toxicology and ecotoxicology research contribute to understanding these pollutants and how scientific findings can inform regulations and sustainable environmental policies.

This session will explore the long-term ecological and toxicological impacts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), nanoparticles, and microplastics on wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Discussions will focus on bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and transgenerational toxicity, as well as the interactions between these contaminants and other pollutants, such as heavy metals and persistent chemicals. We will highlight emerging methodologies for detecting, assessing, and mitigating toxicological risks, along with the regulatory challenges associated with these contaminants.

This session will explore advances omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) alongside in vitro and in silico approaches. Discussions will highlight how these tools provide molecular insights into pollutant-induced biological responses, improving risk assessment and early warning systems. Emphasis will be placed on computational toxicology and predictive modeling as powerful tools for assessing contaminant effects, as well as in vitro alternatives to traditional toxicity testing. Case studies will illustrate how integrating these methodologies enhances efficiency, accuracy, and ethical considerations in environmental risk assessment.

This session will examine how climate change intensifies the spread, persistence, and toxicity of environmental pollutants, posing increasing risks to ecosystems and human health. Discussions will include studies on the impact of extreme weather events, such as floods, heatwaves, on contaminant distribution, bioavailability, and exposure pathways. This session will highlight emerging challenges, including synergistic effects between pollutants and climate stressors, and multiple stressor scenarios.

This session will explore how toxic substances accumulate and transfer through food webs, affecting both wildlife and human health. A One Health approach will be used to examine case studies where wildlife serves as early warning indicators for environmental contamination and public health risks. Discussions will highlight emerging methodologies in risk assessment, including in silico modeling, omics technologies, and AI-driven analyses, to improve the detection and evaluation of contaminants in food chains. Presenters will explore risk management strategies, addressing how integrative frameworks can enhance food safety regulations, early intervention measures, and sustainable environmental policies.

Polar regions serve as critical sentinels for global pollution, with long-range atmospheric and oceanic transport leading to the accumulation of contaminants such as mercury, PFAS, flame retardants, and other persistent pollutants in Arctic and subarctic food webs. This session will explore the pathways of pollutant deposition, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification in these fragile ecosystems, emphasizing their impacts on wildlife, indigenous communities, and overall ecosystem health. It will also highlight the role of Arctic monitoring programs in shaping global environmental policies, risk assessment frameworks, and mitigation strategies to address pollution in these remote yet globally connected regions.